Pha Taem National Park

Introduction: Where the Sun Rises First in Thailand

Situated along the Mekong River in Khong Chiam District, approximately 95 kilometers (a 1.5-hour drive) east of Ubon Ratchathani city center, Pha Taem National Park is one of Isan's (Northeastern Thailand) most spectacular natural and archaeological treasures. Spanning 340 square kilometers of dipterocarp forest, mushroom-shaped sandstone crags, and sheer sandstone cliffs overhanging the Mekong River, Pha Taem holds the geographic distinction of being the easternmost point in Thailand—where the sun rises first over the kingdom.

Renowned for its world-famous 3,000-year-old prehistoric cliff paintings, dramatic rock formations, seasonal wildflower fields, and sweeping views across the Mekong River into Laos, Pha Taem serves as a premier destination for history enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers.

Key Attractions & Ancient Wonders

Pha Taem National Park features prehistoric archaeological sites and unique geological sandstone formations:

1. Prehistoric Cliff Paintings Trail

The crown jewel of the national park! A 4-kilometer cliffside walking trail below the main Pha Taem cliff face reveals four major groups of prehistoric rock art painted in red ochre over 3,000 to 4,000 years ago. Over 300 individual paintings depict human figures, handprints, catfish, elephants, turtles, agricultural tools, and geometric patterns, offering rare insights into ancient Mekong communities.

2. Sao Chaliang (Mushroom Rock Columns)

Located near the park entrance, Sao Chaliang features giant natural mushroom-shaped sandstone pillars formed by millions of years of wind and water erosion. Ancient marine fossils and pebble layers embedded in the stone reveal that the region was once an ancient ocean floor.

3. Pha Taem Cliff Viewpoint & Sunrise Point

Perched high above the Mekong River, the main cliff viewpoint provides panoramic vistas over lush green Laotian forests and the winding river below. As Thailand's easternmost border, hundreds of visitors gather here on New Year's Day to witness the first sunrise of the year.

4. Soi Sawan Waterfall & Dong Na Tham Wildflower Plateau

Located in the northern section of the park, **Soi Sawan Waterfall** plunges 20 meters over twin cliffs. Surrounding sandstone plateaus like **Dong Na Tham** bloom with vibrant carpet fields of insectivorous wildflowers (such as bladderworts, sundews, and pitcher plants) from October to December.

Key Highlights & Attraction Summary

• 3,000-Year-Old Rock Art: One of Southeast Asia's longest continuous lines of prehistoric cliff paintings.
• First Sunrise Spot in Thailand: Easternmost geographical point overlooking the Mekong River and Laos.
• Sao Chaliang Rock Columns: Surreal mushroom-shaped sandstone geological formations.
• Soi Sawan Wildflowers: Seasonal winter wildflower carpet fields blooming on sandstone plateaus.

How to Reach Pha Taem National Park

Located in Khong Chiam District, accessible via Highway 217 and Route 2112 from Ubon Ratchathani.

By Rental Car or Private Driver (Recommended)

Driving east from Ubon Ratchathani city center or Ubon Ratchathani Airport (UBP) takes approximately 1.5 hours via Highway 217 toward Phibun Mangsahan, then taking Route 2222 through Khong Chiam to Route 2112. Roads are fully paved and scenic.

By Public Bus & Local Songthaew Shuttle

Take a public bus or passenger van from Ubon Ratchathani Bus Terminal to **Khong Chiam** town. From Khong Chiam, charter a local *songthaew* (shared pickup truck) or tuk-tuk for the remaining 18 km drive to the national park gates.

Best Time to Visit

Park landscapes vary significantly between seasons.

Cool Season & Wildflower Blooms (October to February)

The absolute best time to visit! Temperatures are pleasant (18°C–28°C), skies are clear for sunrise viewing, and plateau rocks at Soi Sawan Waterfall are covered in vibrant purple, yellow, and white wildflower blooms.

Green Season (July to September)

Brings lush green forests, powerful waterfall flows at Soi Sawan, and mist rising over the Mekong River.

Top Nearby Attractions in Khong Chiam

1. Sam Phan Bok (Grand Canyon of Thailand) (60 km north)

A massive riverbed canyon featuring over 3,000 potholes carved into sandstone reefs visible during the dry season along the Mekong River.

2. Two-Color River (Mae Nam Song Khram / Maenam Two Colors) (18 km south)

The famous confluence in Khong Chiam where the blue-green waters of the Mun River merge with the muddy brown Mekong River.

3. Wat Sirindhorn Wararam (Phu Prao / Glowing Temple) (30 km south)

A breathtaking hilltop temple famous for its glowing tree of life mural that shines in the dark with fluorescent pigments after sunset.

Things to Do at Pha Taem National Park

• Hike the Prehistoric Art Trail: Walk the 4 km cliffside trail to view 3,000-year-old rock paintings.
• Watch First Sunrise Over the Mekong: Stand at Pha Taem Cliff at 05:30 AM to catch the sun rising over Laos.
• Explore Sao Chaliang Mushroom Rocks: Photograph ancient natural sandstone rock pillars.
• Visit Soi Sawan Wildflower Plateau: Walk through fields of blooming pitcher plants and insectivorous flowers.

Local Food and Culinary Delights

Dining in Khong Chiam and near the park entrance features fresh Mekong River fish and Isan specialties.

Must-Try Culinary Specialties

• Fresh Mekong River Fish Dishes: Tom Yum Pla Kang (spicy catfish soup), fried Mekong fish with garlic, and steamed snakehead fish served at riverside restaurants in Khong Chiam.
• Isan Som Tum & Kai Yang: Spicy green papaya salad, sticky rice, and charcoal-grilled chicken served at park entrance food stalls.
• Local Herbal Teas: Hot herbal teas and fresh arabica coffee served at cliffside cafes.

Where to Stay: Accommodation Options

Visitors stay inside national park bungalows, riverside resorts in Khong Chiam, or Ubon city hotels.

Park Cabins & Khong Chiam Resorts ($20 – $90 USD / 700 – 3,200 THB per night)

• Pha Taem National Park Bungalows & Campsites: Basic wood cabins and rental tents managed by the park right near the cliff edge.
• Tohsang Heritage Khong Chiam Resort / Songkhram River Resort / Chaungchawi Resort: Beautiful Mekong riverside resorts located 15 to 20 minutes from the park entrance.

Budget Travel Guide & Admission Fees

• National Park Entrance Fee: Foreign adult admission is **400 THB** (200 THB for children) / 40 THB for Thai citizens, plus a 30 THB vehicle permit.
• Park Opening Hours: Open daily from **06:00 AM to 06:00 PM** (cliff viewpoint opens early at 05:00 AM for sunrise).
• Affordable Camping: Rental tents cost around **220–300 THB** per night including sleeping gear.

Sample 1-Day Itinerary

• 05:00 AM: Depart Khong Chiam town toward **Pha Taem Cliff Viewpoint**.
• 05:45 AM: Watch the sunrise over the Mekong River and Laotian mountains from the cliff top.
• 07:00 AM: Hike the 4 km **Prehistoric Cliff Paintings Trail** to admire ancient rock art.
• 09:30 AM: Explore **Sao Chaliang** natural mushroom sandstone formations.
• 11:30 AM: Drive to **Soi Sawan Waterfall** and walk across the wildflower plateau.
• 01:30 PM: Enjoy a lunch of fresh Mekong catfish and *Som Tum* in Khong Chiam town.
• 03:30 PM: Visit the **Two-Color River Confluence** before watching sunset at **Wat Sirindhorn Wararam (Glowing Temple)**.

Essential Rules and Visitor Guidelines

• DO NOT Touch or Deface Rock Art: Prehistoric paintings are fragile—touching or writing on cliff walls is strictly illegal and subject to severe penalties.
• Stay Behind Safety Railings: Cliff edges drop sheerly into the forest below—exercise caution when taking photos near cliff edges.
• Wear Good Walking Shoes: The 4 km rock painting trail involves uneven stone steps and dirt paths.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is Pha Taem National Park located?

It is located in Khong Chiam District, Ubon Ratchathani Province in Eastern Isan, Thailand, along the Mekong River border with Laos.

2. Why is Pha Taem famous?

For its 3,000-year-old prehistoric rock paintings, mushroom-shaped Sao Chaliang rocks, and being the point where the sun rises first in Thailand.

3. How much is the national park entrance fee?

Foreign adult admission is **400 THB** (200 THB for children) plus 30 THB for a vehicle entry permit.

4. How old are the cliff paintings?

They are estimated to be between **3,000 and 4,000 years old**.

5. What is Sao Chaliang?

A natural geological site featuring giant mushroom-shaped sandstone rock columns formed by ancient erosion.

6. How far is it from Ubon Ratchathani city center?

It is about 95 km east, taking approximately 1.5 hours by car.

7. What nearby attractions can be combined?

**Sam Phan Bok** (Grand Canyon of Thailand), **Two-Color River**, and **Wat Sirindhorn Wararam (Glowing Temple)**.

8. What local food should I try?

Fresh Mekong River catfish (*Pla Kang*), Isan papaya salad (*Som Tum*), and grilled chicken.

9. When do the wildflowers bloom at Soi Sawan?

During the cool dry season from **October to December**.

10. What are the operating hours?

Open daily **06:00 AM to 06:00 PM** (opens at 05:00 AM for early sunrise viewers).

Conclusion

Pha Taem National Park stands out as Isan's ultimate ancient and natural landmark, where 3,000-year-old prehistoric cliff art, first-sunrise vistas over the Mekong River, mushroom-shaped Sao Chaliang sandstone columns, and blooming wildflower plateaus converge in Ubon Ratchathani. From walking ancient cliff trails and watching dawn break over Laos to exploring sandstone rock pillars and tasting fresh Mekong catfish, Pha Taem delivers an unmissable archaeological journey. Plan your trip, charge your camera, and explore Pha Taem National Park Ubon Ratchathani!